Saints team with La. Special Olympics for challenging fundraiser

This week Special Olympics was high on the list as dozens of people rappelled off of Benson Tower into Champions Square.

While the challenge lasted for just a few minutes, it's all to raise money for athletes who face lifelong challenges.

The Superdome from 400 feet in the air is a view that not many get to experience.

But for Laurie Guichard it's one she's doing to give her twin sons a better experience in life.

“They're like, ‘Mommy, are you going to do it?’ I said, ‘No.’ They're like, ‘Mommy do it for us.’ And I said, ‘I'm scared,’ and they were like, ‘Mommy you can do it,’” said Guichard.

Those are words Guichard tells her 15-year-old boys, Joshua and Matthew, every time they compete.

But this time it was them cheering her on as she participated in the “Over the Edge Challenge," rappelling 25 stories to raise money for the Louisiana Special Olympics.

“It provides so much. It's more than what people think. It's more than an athletic competition. It's eye appointments, dental cleanings – they check your feet and bones to make sure you’re healthy,” said Guichard.

The New Orleans Saints Huddle around this event each year, teaming up with the Special Olympics after owner Rita Benson LeBlanc participated in her first challenge five years ago.

"I'm afraid of heights, so doing something like this, it's an adrenaline rush. But you're overcoming your fears, and it just symbolizes what they do and how hard they work when they're in the Olympic experience,” said Benson LeBlanc.

Mike Rhodes said this is his second go at rappelling down Benson Tower descending to Champions Square in honor of his champion, his son Aaron, who loves competing for the Special Olympics and loves the Saints even more – especially Drew Brees.

“The view up there is awesome, and Aaron gets to do it with me, so that's even better,” said Rhodes.

It's not just special events that bring the Saints out.

Fullback Jed Collins is currently serving as ambassador for the Louisiana Special Olympics, a personal cause close to his heart.

"My sister participated in it 10-plus years ago in all kinds of events from horseback riding to basketball to broom hockey, all kinds of things,” said Collins.

"It's a wonderful partnership, and we're just going to get bigger and better each year with the professional athletes and Special Olympic athletes as well,” said Tiffany Harvey.

"It does wonders for us and keeps us interactive and we want to stay going and keep everybody happy,” said Special Olympics athlete Thomas Claverie.

For Joshua and Matthew, they couldn't be more proud of their mom. It continues to give them the edge they need to compete and continuing opportunities to succeed.

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